How do I maxmize space in a studio apartment?

Question

I am moving into a studio apartment. How do I maximize space and create definition? For instance, my kitchen and living area does not have a division. How can I create the illusion of two separate areas?

Answer 1

Always think "minimalist", simple being more elegant.
Instead of having your bed, headboard against the wall, have the bed sideways....almost like a large day-bed, which can also be used as a sofa.
Use two end tables as bedsides nightstands (one for bedside things, the other for living room things) on opposite ends, and forgo a coffee table.
Use one entertainment center to hold TV, all electronics & sound equiptment, use also as a book shelf....adjust it into a corner.
In the opposite corner adjust your computer desk.
Use mirrors instead of pictures to create an illusion of more space.
Use a decorative oriental type fold out space divider to "separate" the kitchen/dining area.
Also purchasing a breakfast bar type piece with tall back bar stool type chairs will help define an area.
Use different color schemes to help with definitions.
If you do have a sofa, do not put it against a wall, use the back of the sofa as a divider.
It is quite acceptable in room design.
Keep in mind that "clutter" will destroy a studio apartment.
Use those stackable plastic containers with drawers that you can purchase at Walmart for little to nothing.
Keep everything in them from clothes to papers to junk.
A stackable shoe rack too.
Think UP & DOWN, instead of SIDE to SIDE.
If you have a shelf in your closet, get a wire shelf divider.

I have a large townhouse with two other roommates, so I spend 95% of the time in my own room. It's 15 x 15, the size of most studio apartments. In it I have a king size bed, a very large corner type computer desk, two large bookshelves, one small bookshelf, a large entertainment center, an end table, a large computer desk chair, a trunk, a drawer container unit, a mini-fridge, a ten tier shoe rack, a laundry rack w/ laundry bag & shelves, with tons of clothes either haning, in space divoders on top, or in stacked drawer containers.
I have a huge amount of open space to move around & exercise in, with around 200 books and 400 CDs, and my own wet bar with a mini-fridge. I could actually put a micowave or coffee maker in here but I thought I'd be over doing it.
It is very spacey, clean, neat, organized & tidy. If I can do this with a bedroom, you can certainly do it with an apartment.
Just keep in mind, if you don't NEED, don't KEEP it.

Answer 2

If you don't already have one, go to Ikea.com and request a catalog. They have fantastic ideas for space maximization. (I.e. a loft bed with a computer workstation or a love seat below. Their website also has an area specifically about studio apartments and maximizing space. (Photos and diagrams included) It helped me out A LOT with ideas in my own spatially-challenged apartment.

Some specifics they give about dividing those tyes of areas is to use an open shelving system/bookcase. This way 1.The area is divided. 2. You get storage space. 3. It still lets light through so that it doesn't feel or appear as cramped.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You can either place the sofa where the back is to the kitchen. This will divide the two areas or you an get a beautiful decorated screen. This will do the trick as well. Also large plants can be used as a divider. Good Luck! By the way you can go to HGTV both on line or on TV to learn about anything that has to do with home design and home decorating.

Answer 4

One way of creating division, but still having that feel of open plan, would be to build a stand alone breakfast bar. This can be done, depending on the length and width by utilizing a kitchen carcus. Then reface, with similar doors and worktop.

Or depending on your preferance, you could tile, plasterboard, or use metal treadplate

I had a similar problem when helping a friend renovate their apartment. The carcus build and siting was easy, but typically my friend wanted something different.

Eventually after a lot of arguements, swearing and telling her she had lost the plot, i ended up installing a breakfast bar with built in fish tank. It certainly draws your eye.

Answer 5

I built a loft in mine. When you can raise your bed over something say - your desk (like my room) then it opens up the rest of the room a little for other items.

Also futons are a must - functional for a bed and a couch. When you put it into a couch fold your blankets and place under the futon. A few through pillows would add to the appearnace of it just being a couch as well.

Answer 6

There are a lot of good answers here for you to consider but the easiest way to visually define a space is with area rugs. Matching or contrasting, it doesn't matter.

Answer 7

curtains to separate, and a giant mirror on one wall to give the illusion of a larger room

Answer 8

The best way to make a space seem larger is for you to be smaller.

I would recommend having all of your limbs surgically removed. This will cut you to half your current size, which will cause the studio apartment to seem huge.

It will also make it take quite a long time to cross from one end of the apartment to the other, further increasing the illusion of space.